As audiences worldwide enjoy the drama of the Shogun series, JI partner and well-known YouTuber John Daub of “ONLY in JAPAN,” recently introduced his audience to a different story about the shogunate age, through the life story of Nakahama Manjiro, a young Japanese fisherman whose fate was forever altered following a shipwreck in 1841.

After being rescued by American whalers, Manjiro embarked on an extraordinary journey, becoming the first Japanese person to live in America. He received an education there that equipped him with unique insights and knowledge. Manjiro’s return to Japan amid the California Gold Rush era saw him take on an influential role as a hatamoto, a samurai in direct service to the shogun. His work as a translator and efforts in bridging Japan with the Western world came at a time when the nation was just emerging from years of isolation.

His observations of life and society in the United States came right before the Meiji government ended the feudal era of Japan’s history. No other Japanese person had lived abroad to give such perspectives and his influence on officials was powerful enough to inspire leaders to modernize and open the country to the world.

John Daub’s storytelling brings to light Manjiro’s significant contributions to Japan’s modernization and its relationships with the Western world. Through Manjiro’s story, viewers gain an in-depth perspective of the transformation of an individual who played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Japanese history. His adventures from being a shipwrecked fisherman to influencing the opening of Japan to international trade and diplomacy illustrate the profound impact one person can have on the destiny of a nation.

“The Manjiro Story” is not just a recounting of historical events; it’s a narrative about overcoming adversity, embracing new cultures, and forging a legacy that transcends borders. John’s latest video invites viewers into the heart of a story that, while rooted in the past, resonates with timeless themes of courage, exploration, and connection. 

Don’t miss out on this journey back in time. Watch the full episode on the “ONLY in JAPAN” YouTube channel.

The post John Daub Unveils New Video: Japanese Shipwreck Survivor’s Unexpected Life | The Manjiro Story appeared first on Jarman International KK.

JI partner, popularly known as the YouTuber John Daub from “ONLY in JAPAN,” recently unveiled a captivating video on October 26th, titled “Thrilling 700-Year-Old Japanese Armored Racing“. This episode delves into a time-honored event in the Fukushima Prefecture of Japan.

The Soma Nomaoi (相馬野馬追) festival, an event deeply rooted in Fukushima, has been celebrated consistently for an impressive 700 years. Tracing its origin back to the Samurai era in 1323, the festival marks the onset of summer in Northern Japan. The video captures John, clad in authentic Samurai armor, immersing himself in age-old Japanese traditions, notably the thrilling armored races and a riveting capture-the-flag event.

Don’t miss out on this journey back in time. Watch the full episode on the “ONLY in JAPAN” YouTube channel.

★As per the latest update on the official website, the “Soma-Nomaoi” event will be undergoing a significant schedule change. Beginning in 2024, this traditional event will now be held on the last Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of May, instead of its usual schedule in July. For further information and updates, please visit the official website: https://soma-nomaoi.jp/

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JI partner, popularly known as the YouTuber John Daub from “ONLY in JAPAN” has just published an enlightening and poignant new video on September 29th, titled “Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Train Experience & Survivor Story.” The video promises to offer viewers a unique and personal perspective on the tragic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II, focusing particularly on the Hiroden, Hiroshima’s public transportation system.

In the video, John Daub highlights the resilience of Hiroshima, a city that was almost entirely destroyed on August 6th, 1945, by the dropping of an atomic bomb. The catastrophic event wiped out 108 out of 122 street cars run by Hiroshima Electric Railway Co., Ltd., known as Hiroden. Astoundingly, within just 72 hours post-bombing, Hiroden had repaired three stations near the bomb’s hypocenter and had resumed service to passengers by August 9th. 

In addition, John Daub embarks on a journey aboard Tram no. 653, the very tram that operated during the time of the bombing. Viewers also get an insight into Tram no. 651, which was derailed and burned out during the explosion, now fully restored and back on the streets serving the grandchildren of Hiroshima residents. 

Perhaps most compelling is John Daub’s interaction with a then 14-year-old conductor, who survived the bomb and returned to work just three days after the devastating event. Now 92 years old, the survivor shares his invaluable account of the ordeal, offering viewers an unforgettable personal narrative that further illuminates the tragedy of Hiroshima during World War II.

By centering the story on Hiroshima’s public transportation and those who kept it running, John Daub offers a fresh, engaging, and emotional viewpoint on the historical event. “It’s an unforgettable story and a new way to learn about the tragedy of Hiroshima during WWII, through the eyes of its public transportation,” the video description reads. For those interested in learning about world history, human resilience, and personal narratives from historical events, “Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Train Experience & Survivor Story” by John Daub is undoubtedly a must-watch.

Be sure to check out the full video on the “ONLY in JAPAN” YouTube channel for a deep and informative exploration into Hiroshima’s atomic bomb history, a tragedy that still resonates today.

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★ For John Daub’s official YouTube channel, visit: ONLY in JAPAN * John Daub

In the episode airing on August 31st, under the title “Unprecedented Orders!? The Super-wealthy Internationals Flooding into Japan,” various episodes will be introduced. In one of the leading hot spring areas in the metropolitan area, local businesses are going all out to meet requests like, “We don’t care how expensive it is; we want an upgrade.” Additionally, guesthouses with suites costing 150,000 yen per night are booked six months in advance. The episode will delve into these astonishing requests and needs of international tourists in the post-COVID era, as well as the secrets behind their popularity.

What are international tourists coming to Japan looking for?
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the unknown frontlines of inbound tourism in Japan!

★ For more details about the program, please visit this link: “Tokoro-san! This is an Incident!” (NHK General 1, Tokyo)

The post On Thursday, August 31st, from 23:00 to 23:30, popular YouTuber John Daub, known for his “Only in Japan” series, will appear on the popular TV program “Tokoro-san! This is an Incident!”（NHK General 1） appeared first on Jarman International KK.

If so, you won’t want to miss this video by JI partner and popular YouTuber John Daub of ONLY in JAPAN * John Daub.

In the video entitled, “How Japanese GREEN TEA is Made | Farm to Factory,” John visits SEIICHI OYAIZU Co. in Shizuoka Prefecture, the green tea capital of Japan, to learn about the process of making Sencha which starts at the farm. He follows the harvest to the factory in Shizuoka where its steamed, kneaded, and finally graded before being shipped.

This video is Part Two of a three-part series. View Part One HERE.

Also, be sure to subscribe to John’s livestream-only channel, ONLY in JAPAN * GO  where he posts four to five episodes a week from all over the country!

The post YouTuber John Daub Takes Viewers on an Adventure to Shizuoka to See How Japanese Green Tea is Made appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Fatty, tender, and umami-rich…Japanese wagyu beef is one of the world’s most luxurious foods, ranked high among ingredients like black truffles and caviar. But what makes wagyu so special? The secret lies in nutrient-rich fodder, gender, lifespan and…classical music!?

Check out this Japan Today article written by JI Core 50 member Vicki L. Beyer to learn about wagyu from snowy Yonezawa City in Yamagata Prefecture, which has a centuries-long history of raising cattle.

JI Core 50 member and popular YouTuber of the ONLY in JAPAN channel, John Daub, also created an episode all about Yonezawa gyu, from raising the cattle to grading the meat.

Also subscribe to John’s livestream-only channel, ONLY in JAPAN * GO for pretty much daily uploads!

The post Find out what makes Japanese wagyu beef world class! (Yonezawa, Yamagata) appeared first on Jarman International KK.

JI Core 50 member and popular YouTuber of the ONLY in JAPAN channel, John Daub, gives the world an exclusive inside look at how the JR EAST Environment Access (JEA) cleaning staff keeps JR Ueno Station absolutely spotless every single day. From the JEA team’s morning meeting, to train track work, and cleaning the trains, vending machines, as well as toilets, witness the day-in-the-life of the heroes who keep the people of Japan’s everyday commute safe, reliable and comfortable. 

Check out the video below, and subscribe to the ONLY in JAPAN channel for more!

The post How do train stations stay so clean in Japan? Find out in YouTuber John Daub’s new ONLY in JAPAN episode! (Ueno, Tokyo) appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Although the northeastern Tohoku region is full of incredible cuisine, culture and community, it is still relatively undiscovered by international visitors. Check out John’s livestreams for an exclusive look into a side of Japan that you may not have even imagined.

Subscribe to John’s ONLY in JAPAN * GO livestream channel and ONLY in JAPAN * John Daub main channel for more!

• Japanese Train Ice Bridge Crossing | JR Tadami Line
• Japan’s Hawaiian Resort Experience
• Japanese Wagyu Beef BBQ | Aomori Yakiniku Grill
• Japanese Winter Cuisine Ginger Miso Oden

Travel across Tohoku affordably with the JR EAST PASS!

The post Discover hidden Japan with YouTuber John Daub in Fukushima and Aomori! appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Kochi Prefecture is located along the southwest coast of Japan’s Shikoku Island, famous for its crystal clear rivers, dynamic mountains, award-winning sake, freshest seafood, friendly locals and more. To spread the Kochi love, Jarman International helped gather 30 non-Japanese participants to Tosa Shimizu World restaurant in Osaka that serves authentic Kochi cuisine. Simultaneously, John Daub livestreamed the event on his ONLY in JAPAN * GO channel to people across the globe for an afternoon of celebrating and learning about Kochi, Japan’s hidden gem. 

Besides the melt-in-your-mouth seared bonito, delicious local sake and other Kochi delicacies, participants were immersed in the fun of Yosakoi, the representative dance of the region. This Kochi dance has always been about having fun, rather than following strict rules, which is why there are a wide range of costumes, choreography, and music ranging from traditional Japanese folk tunes to pop, rock and salsa-inspired rhythms! It is no surprise that this 70-year-old dance has gained popularity around the world, and also won the hearts of the participants during the event!

Check out John’s livestream of the event HERE.

Kochi is actually easily accessible from Kyoto and Osaka! Discover the route HERE.

Learn more about Kochi HERE.

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The livestream featured a live book reading by Alex of his very own “Lost Japan” best-seller book, which offers a fascinating insight into the Japanese landscape, culture, history and future, based on his several decades of living in the country. 

Alex discusses his thoughts on how Japan has changed over the past years, and continues to evolve. As more young people move to cities, there are multitudes of traditional Japanese crafts, architecture, thought, and knowledge that are soon to disappear. Joining in the conversation is the owner of Kamikoya Washi Studio in Yusuhara who moved to Japan from the Netherlands 40 years ago to learn the art of washi-making, which is a traditional Japanese paper. He offers his reasons for moving to Japan to help preserve the traditional craft, while John also shares his view on how he has seen the country shift based on his extensive travel across all 47 prefectures. 

This is a precious, once-in-a-lifetime conversation among some of the brightest internationals in Japan, which is sure to offer you a deeper look into Japan’s past, present and future.

Check out the livestream HERE.  

The livestream was briefly featured in the Sustainable Japan by the Japan Times (December Edition) HERE.

The post The Jarman International-organized livestream with John Daub, Alex Kerr and Rogier Uitenboogaart was featured in the Japan Times! (Kochi Prefecture) appeared first on Jarman International KK.